WHICH RIM SHOULD YOU VISIT?
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It's the question most asked at the outset of Grand Canyon vacation planning: Which rim should I visit? Without knowing anything about your travel plans, personality, budget or time table, we recommend the South Rim. Hands down, the South Rim is THE place to visit at the Grand Canyon. It's often described as "the real Grand Canyon" and it's the part of the National Park that you've undoubtedly seen in movies, photographs and magazines. Truth be told, we might recommend the South Rim even if we DID know your travel plans, personality, budget and time table, but since we can't get to know all 5+ million visitors the Grand Canyon attracts each year, we've put together this handy comparison chart of the South, West and North Rims side by side.
Where Should You Start?
It may help you to narrow your options just by knowing which city you'll be starting from. If you're starting in Phoenix, you're most likely to choose the South Rim for your trip. Likewise, if your visit will originate in Las Vegas, it'd certainly make sense to consider the West Rim. Of course, there are other variables that may influence your decision in the end. For example, if you have your heart set on taking a helicopter and landing on the floor of the Canyon, then the West Rim is right for you. On the other hand, if you're really into camping, hiking and near solitude, then be sure to choose the North Rim. Finally, if you want to see other attractions and activities besides the Grand Canyon, then the South Rim is right up your alley. Only you know what your needs and priorities are, so check out the criteria and available options to help you decide which rim to visit.
SOME GRAND CANYON TRIP IDEAS
Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona
Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Gran … More
Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Grand Canyon, and drive through the Sonoran Desert on this small-group tour. With numbers limited to 13 participants, you can enjoy a more intimate experience of the Southwest's natural beauty. Choose between a small-group or private option.
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Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Hotel Pickup | Family-Friendly
Grand Canyon Railway
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation … More
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams
Munds Park RV Resort
Stay for a day or stay for the season. Take day trips to explore the iconic Grand Canyon or see Sedona’s stunning sunsets! Enjoy over 30 local ATV & Hiking trails, two dog parks, onsite pool, heated spa, live events, fully stocked general store and MORE! Embark on a journey of relaxation a … More
Stay for a day or stay for the season. Take day trips to explore the iconic Grand Canyon or see Sedona’s stunning sunsets! Enjoy over 30 local ATV & Hiking trails, two dog parks, onsite pool, heated spa, live events, fully stocked general store and MORE! Embark on a journey of relaxation and adventure, where the charm of the outdoors meets the comfort of modern amenities. Authentic discoveries & unforgettable experiences only at Munds Park RV Resort.
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Flagstaff Hotels & Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | General Store | Laundry | Shower | BBQ/Grill | Dump Station | Fitness Center
Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground
RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!
We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites.FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.
There is free WiF … More
RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!
We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites.FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.
There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.
Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Propane Refilling Station | Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Shower | Dump Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi | General Store
Sedona Real Inn & Suites - Sedona
Our family-owned and operated inn feels different from other Sedona hotels because it is. When you're here, you'll experience the comfort and convenience that you're used to in your own home. With our very own pet-friendly park, sparkling pool, and fitness center, many of our guests enjoy … More
Our family-owned and operated inn feels different from other Sedona hotels because it is. When you're here, you'll experience the comfort and convenience that you're used to in your own home. With our very own pet-friendly park, sparkling pool, and fitness center, many of our guests enjoy spending part of their Sedona vacation relaxing with us. With a country inn atmosphere, and bed and breakfast feel, each of the 42 traditional rooms and 47 spacious suites offer comfortable accommodations. All our rooms include complimentary WiFi and a hot breakfast bar to get your day started! Your four-legged family members will love our grassy outside play area with a barbecue and fire-pit. The concierge is on-site daily to share the best things to do in Sedona.
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Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | Hot Tub | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
8.8
222 reviews
Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
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Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Grand Canyon Airport at the South Rim near Tusayan. Choose from a variety of Helicopter Tours, whether you have 1 hour or several to see the Grand Canyon.
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Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan | Optional Skywalk Tour
Backland Luxury Camping
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fir … More
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.
- Features:
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
- Onsite and nearby hiking trails
- Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
- Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
- Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows
- Tents feature:
- Panoramic windows
- Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
- Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
- King-sized beds
- Full en-suite bathroom with showers
- Luxury linens
- Electricity in tents
- Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
- Private Outdoor patios
- Coffee makers + mini-fridges
- Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Rental Equipment Available | Games Provided | Hot Drinks Provided | Spa | Eco-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Breakfast Included
Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will … More
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.
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Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup
Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn
As the Grand Canyon South Rim's only resort hotel, it is hard to pass up the luxuries you will find when you stay with Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Our full service hotel offers two restaurants, a sports bar, lounge, barber and beauty shop, fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi, b … More
As the Grand Canyon South Rim's only resort hotel, it is hard to pass up the luxuries you will find when you stay with Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Our full service hotel offers two restaurants, a sports bar, lounge, barber and beauty shop, fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi, bowling center, and laundry.
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Family-Friendly
Maverick Helicopter Tours
Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon … More
Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan
Best Grand Canyon Day Tour
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professi … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Flagstaff | Optional Air Tour | Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided
Arizona Private Tours
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and … More
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Leaves from Flagstaff | Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided
Pink Jeep Tours
Enjoy first-class comfort with a passionate tour guide to the Grand Canyon's stunning West Rim. Travel by Tour Trekker and transform your trip into the experience of a lifetime, creating memories of the history, geology and more from expert guides.
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Family-Friendly | Lunch Provided | Multi-Attraction Tours | Combination Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Sedona
Wildland Trekking
Go on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Popular Hikes | Professionally Guided | Popular Hikes | Leaves from Flagstaff | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan
Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Ex … More
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Explore Grand Canyon at your own pace with over 60 stories laid out on a 45-mile route.
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Additional Tours Available | Family-Friendly | Self-Guided
Grand Canyon Getaway
This is the closest private property to the Grand Canyon South Rim! 5bd/2.5ba home, large property with lots of room to run; 15 min from the Grand Canyon. Enjoy friendly wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a rustic setting from the comforts of your own vacation home.
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Family-Friendly
Hotel Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel
Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, located just 2 miles from the South Rim Entrance for easy access to the Park. Book your stay today and explore this Natural Wonder!
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Small-Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk
Explore one of the seven wonders of the world—the Grand Canyon—on this day trip to the west rim from Las Vegas. With included transport to and from the Strip, you can easily plan this day trip into your Las Vegas getaway. Along the way, stop for photos at the Hoover Dam. Take in views of t … More
Explore one of the seven wonders of the world—the Grand Canyon—on this day trip to the west rim from Las Vegas. With included transport to and from the Strip, you can easily plan this day trip into your Las Vegas getaway. Along the way, stop for photos at the Hoover Dam. Take in views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Guano Point and Eagle Point. Plus, for the more adventurous, choose to walk the edge of the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Skywalk for an added expense.
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Leaves from Las Vegas | Breakfast Included | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup | Optional Skywalk Tour | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus or Private Tour
Marvel at the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim thanks to this 12-hour flexible sightseeing trip from Las Vegas. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour along the edge of the canyon, stopping at highlights like Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Cowboy Ranch. Optional trip upgra … More
Marvel at the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim thanks to this 12-hour flexible sightseeing trip from Las Vegas. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour along the edge of the canyon, stopping at highlights like Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Cowboy Ranch. Optional trip upgrades including a helicopter flight or access to the Skywalk viewing platform are also available.
WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »
Optional Skywalk Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Lunch Provided | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Upgrades
Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the land, air and water on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through a Joshua Tree forest en route to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim for sightseeing how you wish. Upgrade to add a walk on the gla … More
Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the land, air and water on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through a Joshua Tree forest en route to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim for sightseeing how you wish. Upgrade to add a walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk and/or a thrilling helicopter flight into the canyon coupled with a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. A hot lunch at the Grand Canyon and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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Leaves from Las Vegas | Optional River Tour | Optional Air Tour | Optional Skywalk Tour | Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Lunch Provided
Grand Canyon Hike & Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us! … More
Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us! We pick up in the following towns: Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon.
Currently, the Park Service is not allowing us to mix groups due to COVID-19 safety procedures, so we are unable to provide this tour for less than 4 people. If you have a smaller group, please reach out to our company directly to discuss other options. By far our most popular hiking tour, this hike and sightseeing tour offers guests varying views of the Canyon, from the inside out. This tour is for guests who want to enjoy an excellent tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but also spend some time below the Rim.
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Popular Hikes | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup | Professionally Guided | Gear Provided
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RELATED TRIP IDEAS
